Master of Fine Arts in Dance

Our 60-hour Master of Fine Arts program is in many ways a centerpiece of the School of Dance. Students in the program develop and clarify their choreographic voices and deepen their understanding of dance making as a cultural and social process through guided choreographic research. The MFA is normally completed over three years and culminates in a project designed and carried out by the student with the support of faculty. Some students work with our technical director in producing a shared MFA concert in our theater, while others choose off-campus venues such as Greensboro Project Space or site-specific locations.

Our students work with faculty members who are active artists and scholars, and who mentor student engagement in the dance professions, as well as guiding their work in the School of Dance. We offer an exceptionally strong mentorship program in teaching, including mentoring students as they teach their own courses as instructors of record in the School of Dance, such as dance appreciation, introduction to dance, ballet, contemporary dance, global forms, tap dance, hip hop, and jazz for musical theater. We prepare students for lifelong learning in dance, integrating dance practice and critical inquiry, and engaging in dance as a means of enacting positive change in themselves and their communities. The MFA in Dance is a terminal degree that prepares students for careers as faculty in higher education. Students with an interest in teaching in public schools may add K-12 Licensure, and they may also add our Pilates certificate.

MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN DANCE PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

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UNCG is the only university in the North Carolina system that offers graduate degrees in Dance, and the only program where graduate students with initial Dance K-12 teaching licensure can earn advanced dance teacher licensure. 

UNCG Dance faculty, 50% who are faculty of color, are active professionals in the dance field. Professor Robin Gee curates the annual Greensboro Dance Film Festival and also curates national and international Dance Film festivals.  Associate Professor B.J. Sullivan is known internationally for her Safety Technique dance technique. Other Dance faculty bring professional experience and innovative pedagogical approaches that reflect the depth and breadth of School of Dance faculty expertise. 

• Accreditations and affiliations include:
  • UNCG is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.
  • American College Dance Association
  • National Dance Education Organization
  • N.C. National Dance Education Organization
  • Dance Studies Association 
• To connect students to the profession, the schools regularly bring in guest teachers and  choreographers. Recent guests include: Camille A. Brown, Kristin Daniel, Gerri Houlihan, Juel D. Lane, Helen Simoneau, and Maleek Washington. 

The MFA IN DANCE Student Experience

UNCG School of Dance graduate programs offer rich experiences in artistry and scholarship that entwine practice, creative expression, and critical investigation. Understanding arises from opportunities to investigate dance through experiential and analytical lenses such as bodily training, improvisation, performance, choreography, aesthetics, education, somatics, history, and cultural and social critique. The MFA is normally completed over three years and culminates in a project designed and carried out by the student with the support of faculty.

• Students work with faculty members who are active artists and scholars
• Students enjoy opportunities to learn, interact, and perform with internationally renowned artists
• The School of Dance is highly collaborative, supportive, and diverse.

After GraduatiNG WITH YOUR MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN DANCE

Graduates of the program are prepared for success in a variety of dance-related fields including choreography, directing, education, and dance performance.